Brandi Disterheft
Brandi’s premiere album “Debut” won her the 2008 JUNO and she’s already jammed her CV with concerts in Japan and Haiti, at jazz festivals in Vienna and Chicago, and has performed at Carnegie Hall. It is not only her fiery bass playing and charismatic performances that are making people take notice, but also her innovative writing style with influences all the way from Mingus to Bjork.
Oscar Peterson said, “She is what we call serious.”
A native of North Vancouver, this “up and coming artist” whose career began performing in her teens with her mother, jazz pianist from Chicago Fran Jare, has since studied with jazz legends Neils Henning Orsted Pederson, Rufus Reid, Don Thompson and Danilo Perez. Presently she has relocated to New York City to study with the legendary bassist from Miles Davis’ band, Ron Carter.
Opening for top acts including Diana Krall, Dave Brubeck, and Chris Botti, and performing as a featured soloist with the Canada Pops Orchestra at age 21, Brandi has earned both critical acclaim and the title “Rising Star” for her charismatic performances. “Her music is picturesque and enticing…as she grabs the blues, dips into bebop, lays down a cool ballad…and will even have the listener dancing! Disterheft comes into her own and shows why she has been creating a stir …a remarkable talent!” – Jerry D’Souza, AllAboutJazz.com
Brandi’s sophomore disc was released in September, 2009. Featuring guests Holly Cole and Ranee Lee, her stunning new album “Second Side” uses lively, swinging grooves combined with touches of lush atmospheres with influences all the way from cool jazz to brazilian pop.
CONCERNING CHANGE
Brandi Disterheft passionately combines classic jazz and blues with the theme of change. Influenced by the legendary bassist, Charles Mingus, jazz has been an art form that historically brought racial and social issues into the public eye, and has since freed black Americans of the many prejudices brought about from the times of slavery. A powerful communicator and performer, Brandi performs original material that demands positive change for social justice in North America.
CONTRIBUTING TO CHANGE
Songs performed at premier event:
- “Blues for Nelson Mandela”
- “Beautiful Life”
- “Combien De Chances”